Chinese City Warns of New Epidemic for Plague After Herdsman Is Infected with The Black Death
An early epidemic warning has been issued by the authorities in the northern Chinese region of Inner Mongolia, after a case of a resident contracting the bubonic plague was reported. Also known as the “Black Death” in the Middle Ages, the bubonic plague has been history’s most devastating disease which killed around 100 million people in the 14th century.
The confirmed case of the plague has now sparked fears of a new wave of virus outbreak erupting in China in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. However, experts have claimed that this disease usually affects wild rodents and can only be spread by infected fleas. Therefore, it may not become a global health threat like COVID-19.
1The case was reported by a local hospital
In the city of Bayan Nur, the municipal authorities were alerted of a suspected plague patient by a local hospital on Saturday, as per the local health commission. Immediately, a citywide level 3 warning for epidemic control which is the second-lowest in a 4-level system was issued by the government. In China, level 3 warnings are announced when a city has detected between 1 to 20 cases of an infectious disease.
Image Source: dailymail.co.uk
2The patient was diagnosed with the bubonic plague
According to a government notice the unidentified patient was later diagnosed with the bubonic plague. The official alert forbids the hunting and eating of animals that could possibly be carrying the disease. Even the public has been notified to report any suspected cases of the plague or fever with no clear causes and also to report any sick or dead marmots.
Image Source: www.fr24news.com
3The new warning will remain for the whole year
As per officials the new epidemic warning shall remain in effect till the end of the year. The citizens of Beijing city have been warned by their health officials to avoid overnight camping trips and close contact with wild animals when they travel to grasslands in Inner Mongolia.
Image Source: dailymail.co.uk
4The Sunday warning is a follow up of 4 previously reported cases
The new epidemic warning which was announced on Sunday has followed 4 reported cases of the plague in people from Inner Mongolia since last November. Two of the cases were reported to be the pneumonic plague which is practically a deadlier variant of the plague. The country is now stuck with fears of a new wave of virus after the coronavirus, with the sudden discovery of the plague case.
Image Source: cbc.ca
